Bob Dylan was enormously prolific in the 60s. A songwriter on a mission, his evolution – from Woody Guthrie inspired folk cuts, to Imagistic poetry; from ‘Thin Wild Mercury’ electric sessions to Nashville ballads – is simply unlike any other artist. Along the way, some songs got away from him – and one would end up in the hands of Elvis Presley.
‘Tomorrow Is A Long Time’ was initially penned in 1962, with Bob Dylan recording a demo for his publishers, Witmark. The intention was for the song to be given to other artists, and hopefully result in some popular covers.
A key part of his live shows during the period, ‘Tomorrow Is A Long Time’ appeared on numerous set lists, including Dylan’s rapturously received 1963 show at New York City’s Town Hall.
Somehow, though, it wasn’t included on ‘Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan’. Perhaps the lyrics cut too close to the bone – they detail pangs of loss and desire for his then-love Suze Rotolo, who had journeyed to Italy for a spell. Indeed, Suze’s own account of the period is well worth reading.
‘Tomorrow Is A Long Time’ was clearly very personal to him, with the song itself being recorded on numerous occasions by other artists – including Judy Collins and Odetta.
It’s the latter that brings it to the attention of Elvis Presley. A huge fan of gospel music – and Odetta’s voice in particular – he saw the beauty in the song, and recorded his own version in 1966.
Presley collaborator Charlie McCoy took the song to the King, with the singer discussing it during sessions for his ‘How Great Thou Art’ album. Curiously, it didn’t make the cut – eventually appearing as a bonus song on the soundtrack for his 1966 film, Spinout.
Bob Dylan was blown away by the homage, however – and attempted to record ‘Tomorrow Is A Long Time’ once more during his ‘New Morning’ era.
Will a definitive Dylan take on the song – studio, or live – eventually be released? The Bootleg Sessions might well be the ideal home.
Related: Did Bob Dylan And Elvis Presley Ever Meet? No Quite
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